Rail flaw detector mechanism



Aug. 29, 1939. SCHQMACHER H 2,170,911

RAIL F'LAW DETECTOR MECHANISM Filed Feb. 8, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 3m entors HENRY SCHUMACHER v WALTER M.'PERRY LOREN J. DE LANTY (Itto cg 8 1939- H. scHuMAcHER ET AL 2,170,977

' RAIL FLAW nmncwon MECHANISM Filed Feb. 3, 1935 s Sheets-Sheet 2 Zhwentor HENRY SCHUMAfiHER WALTER M. PERRY v V LOREN J. DE LANTY I (Itt cg Aug. 29, 1939. H. scHqMAcHER ET AL 2,170,977

I RAIL FLAW DETECTOR MECHANISM Filed Feb. 8, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Zinmntor HENRY SCHUMACHER WALTER M. PERRY LOREN J. DE LANTY Patented Aug. 29, 1939 RAIL FLAW DETECTOR MECHANISM Henry Schumacher, Walter M. Perry, and Loren J. De Lanty, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignors to Sperry Products, Inc., Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application February 9 Claims.

mechanism responsive to internal flaws.-

When

such a fiaw is encountered an indication is made upon a chart in the moving car and at the same time marking means such as paint is discharged on the rail in the regionof flaw.

It is highly desirable that the marking means should operate quickly in response to energization in order that the mark on the rail may be properly located, and it is further desirable that the mark be limited in extent to substantially the region of a flaw. If the marking means is slow in responding to an impulse it may be that the paint will be placed upon the rail at a point several inches removed from an actual flaw and may be located at a surface defect such as a burn Also, if

the mark is too long it may be that the said mark originally was made in response to a surface defect but extends along the. rail to such a distance that a fissure near a surface defect will be missed since the operator will interpret the mark, no matter how long, as being due to the surface defect.

Thisinvention, therefore, has for its principal object the provision of rail marking means and actuating means therefor which will result in a quick response of the marking means and which will yield a mark of relatively short length.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the following detailed description thereof.

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 is a side view of a Sperry rail fissure detector car, the main portion of the car being broken away to show the detector mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a view largely in the form of a wiring diagram illustrating one form of our invention.

Figs. 3 to '7 inclusive are views similar to Fig. 2 illustrating modified forms of our invention.

Referringto Fig. 1 of the drawings, there are shown the parts of a standard Sperry rail fissure detector "car which includes a car body l0 operating along the rails R. Fissure detection is accomplished by passing current through each rail from a generator G within the car-body supplying current to spaced current brushes H and I2 supported upon the current brush carriage 13 which when in lowered or effective position is adapted to ride upon the rail by means such as wheels 8, 1935, Serial No. 5,534

normally held in elevated or ineffective position by means of springs, not shown, and cables I6, but when it is desired to lower said carriage, fluid pressure such as compressed air is supplied to the cylinders H to force out pistons I8 which 5 are pivotally connected at I9 to the current brush carriage [3. The current passed through the rail by way of spaced brushes II and I2 will establish an electromagnetic field surrounding the rail and this field will be uniform except in the region of flaw, where it will be distorted. Such distortions of the electromagnetic field are detected by a fiaw responsive mechanism which may take the form of a pair of induction coils 22 supported in a housing 23 at a constant distance above the rail surface by means of a carriage 24. Said carriage 24 is mounted on current brush carriage l3 by means of loosely fitting bolts 25 and springs 26 to permit said carriage 24, while riding on the rail on means such as wheels 21, to move independently of carriage l3 so that the said carriage 24 may at all times maintain parallelism with the rail surface regardless of irregularities thereof. The coils 22 normally cut the same number of lines of force, but on entering aregion of flaw, first one coil and then the other will cut a different number of lines of force to generate a differential E. M. F. which after being suitably amplified by an amplifier A may be caused to actuate a pen P operating on a chart, not shown. At the same time that pen P is actuated, there is actuated also marking means which may take the form of a paint gun 30 mounted on the current brush carriage l3 a suflicient distance behind the flaw responsive members 22 to compensate for the movement of the car and for the lag in operation of the paint gun.

As stated in the introduction hereto, it is highly desirable that the paint gun be so operated that a relatively short mark will be placed upon the rail in the region of flaw, regardless of the magnitude of the impulse passing through the amplifier A or the length of time that said impulse persists. For this purpose we have provided various forms of our invention, all of which operate upon the same fundamental principle. This principle may be stated briefly as follows: Each time an impulse comes through amplifier 50 A sufficient to operate the recording pen, the paint gun magnet is energized and at the same time there is rendered operative, means for deenergizing the paint magnet; but the deenergization of the paint magnet is delayed for a prede- 55 determined interval.

termined period by means either mechanical or electrical.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 2 an impulse from amplifier A in response to flaw energizes magnet 48 to attract armature 4| against the action of spring 42 to close a set of contacts 43 which energizes the pen magnet 44 to actuate pen P and paint gun magnet 58. The energization of magnet 58 is effected as follows: The closing of contacts 43 energizes a magnet 68 which attracts its armature 6| against the action of a spring 62 to break a set of contacts 63 and close contacts 64. The circuit through magnet 68 extends from contacts 43 through battery B, magnet 44, and contacts 63. The closing of contacts 64 closes the circuit through magnet 58 and opens the circuit through magnet 68. The magnet 58 attracts its armature 56 which is an extension of the stem of valve 54 which controls the passage of marking fluid from inlet 52 to outlet 53. The attraction of valve stem 56 is against the action of a. restoring spring 55.

From the above description it will be seen that at the same time that magnet 58 is energized by the closing of contacts 64 the circuit through magnet 68 is broken by the opening of contacts 63. This would ordinarily tend to cause magnet 68 to release armature 6|, thus breaking contacts 64 and deenergizing magnet 58. However, there is connected in parallel with coil 68 a branch circuit 65 so that even when the circuit through coil 68 is broken there is a closed circuit through coil 68 and by-pass 65 wherein the induced current due to breaking the circuit through 68 may flow to keep coil 68 energized for a pre- Coil 68 will thus continue to attract its armature 6|, even though the circuit therethrough has been broken at 63, and will continue to maintain coil 58 energized for a predetermined time. This time may be varied by means of an adjustable rheostat 66 in the branch circuit 65. 4

From theabove description it is apparent that at the same time that contacts 64 are closed to energize the paint gun magnet 58 there is rendered efiective a means for deenergizing the magnet 58, said means comprising the broken circuit through magnet 68 which tends to release its armature 6| and thus break contacts 64. Said means for deenergizing the magnet 58 is, however, delayed in its action by reason of the inductive circuit 68, 65, 66 whereby a predetermined period of actuation of magnet 58 is obtained at each impulse from amplifier A.

In Fig. 3 we have disclosed another form of our invention embodying the same principle. In this form an impulse from amplifier A energizes magnet 48 to break the set of contacts 43 against the action of restoring spring 42 and thus break the circuit through magnets 61, 68, and pen'magnet '44. This causes the pen magnet 44 to release its armature .45, to cause pen P to make a record upon a chart, not shown. The de-magnetizationof magnet 68 permits spring 68 connected to the armature 18 to close a set of contacts II and energize paint gun magnet 58 as in the Fig. 2 form. In this form of the invention, also, at the same time that magnet 58 is energized there is rendered operative means for deenergizing said magnet, which means, however, is delayed in its action for a predetermined period to permit the paint gun to place a' mark of constant length on the rail. This latter means includes the magnet 61 which when deenergized in the circuit of magnet 58.

releases its armature 12 to break contacts 13 which are in the circuit through contacts 1|, magnet 58, and battery B. While magnet 61 is deenergized when contacts 43 open, said magnet is a delayed action magnet as compared to magnet 68 which operates quickly and therefore magnet 61 is not deenergized until a predetermined interval has elapsed after the deenergization of magnet 68 and the closing of contacts II to energize magnet 58. When this period has elapsed, however, and magnet 61 has become deenergized, contacts I3 open to deenergize magnet 58 and close the paint gun valve 54.

The Fig. 4 form of the invention is similar in part to the Fig. 3 form. In this form an impulse from amplifier A energizes magnet 48 to break contacts 43 and deenergize magnet 68' and pen magnet 44. Magnet 68, being a rapid acting relay which deenergizes quickly, releases its armature 18' to close contacts H and energize simultaneously magnet 61' and paint gun magnet 58. The energization of magnet 61' attracts armature 12' to open a set of contacts 13' Here,- too, it will be seen that as soon as magnet 58 is energized there is simultaneously rendered operative the magnet 61 which tends to deenergize magnet 58. The characteristics of magnet 61, however, are different from those of magnet 58 so that it takes a longer time for the magnet 61' to become energized sufiiciently to attract its armature 12 than it takes coil 58 to attract its armature 56. As a result, the paint gun will be operated for a predetermined interval of time until magnet 61 becomes energized to a sufficient degree to open contacts 13'.

The Figure form of the invention is similar to the Figs. 3 and 4 forms of the invention except that the delay is introduced mechanically instead of electrically. In this form an impulse from amplifier A energizes a coil 48 which opens contacts 43 and deenergizes magnet 68" and pen magnet 44. The deenergization of magnet 68" permits spring 69" to move the armature away from magnet 68". This armature is of the following construction--it includes a relatively rigid member 15 to which is fixed a light spring mem ber 16 carrying one of a set of contacts 11. As soon as magnet 68" releases armature I5, 16, contact 11 carried by' members 16 engages the other of said contacts Tl carried at the lower end of a pendulum l8 pivoted at 19. Said pendulum has fixed thereto a contact 88 normally in engagement with another contact 88 in the circuit of paint gun magnet 50.

As the armature 15 moves to the right in Fig. 5, contacts ll will close. The spring finger l6 pressing against pendulum I8 is not suflicient to separate contacts 88 and 88' against the action of spring 8| tending to maintain said contacts closed. As soon as contacts I? are closed, the circuit through magnet 58 is closed and the paint gun operates. The armature 15, however, continues its movement toward the right until a projection 82 carried thereby engages spring finger 16 and thereafter any further movement of armature 15 is sufiicient to separate contacts 88, 88' since spring 69" has the necessary strength to overcome spring 8|. It will thus be seen that at the time contacts I! close to energize magnet 58 there is already in action the means which will break the circuit through said magnet 58, but said means is delayed by the period necessary for spring 69" to move armature 15 a sufficient distance to cause constant interval at each tripping of tube T. In

projection 82 to engage spring member I6 and move pendulum 18 to break contacts 80, 80'.

In the Fig. 6 form of our invention there is disclosed the same principle, the delay being introduced electrically as in the Figs. 2, 8 and 4 forms of the invention. In addition, we provide means whereby thepaint gun is given a more definite starting action with respect to the movement of the car, so that the paint mark is more accurately located with respect to the indicated defect. For this purpose, I have shown the output of amplifier A applying the voltage surge across a grid resistance of a gaseous discharge tube such as'a Thyratron tube T. The characteristics of the tube are such that it can be tripped at any desired point, which will always be constant relative to the input from amplifier A. Thus, the action of the tube gives a constant starting point for initiating the action of the paint gun. When the tripping point has been reached the tube T will discharge its current by way of the plate circuit through pen magnet 44 and a magnet 68' which in its action is similar to that of magnet 60 in the Fig. 2 form. Said. magnet 60 will close contacts 64 to close the circuit through the paint magnet 58 and energize the paint gun as before. However, as soon as magnet is energized by closing of contacts 64', magnet 60' is deenergized by the opening of contacts 63 which breaks the tube circuit and tends to deenergize magnets 44 and 60'. This de-energization of magnet 60' would cause it to release its armature 6| and thus break contacts 64' to deenergize magnet 50. In fact, since contacts 63 are broken even before contacts 64' are made, magnet 60' would tend to be deenergized almost before magnet 50 could be energized. However, the deenergization of magnet 60' is delayed as in the Fig. 2 form by establishing a shunt path 65 which will, upon breaking of the circuit through 60' at 63', tend to induce a current in said circuit 60, 65' to keep magnets 60' energized for a predetermined period and thus maintain contacts 64' closed for a predetermined period to permit magnet 50 to actuate a paint gun valve 54 for a constant interval each time there is a current surge out of tube T.

Figure 7 is a form of the invention similar to Fig. 6 except that provision is made whereby individual paint marks will be obtained in response to impulse in close succession. Forthis purpose there are employed two gaseous discharge tubes T and T. When tube T is tripped, the circuit is closed by way of contacts 85 through a circuit control magnet 86, pen magnet 44 and paint gun magnet 81. The energization of magnet 81 will cause an armature 88 to be attracted to close contacts 89 which closes a circuit through paint gun magnet 50. The energization of magnet 86, however, causes it to attract its armature 98 and break the circuit through magnets 44 and 8'! by reason of the opening of contacts 85. This would ordinarily tend to deenergize magnet 81 and break the circuit through magnet 58. It will be seen that almost as soon as the tube T trips, magnet 86 is enerized to break contacts 85 so that ordinarily the means for breaking the circuit through magnet 50 is rendered operative as soon as the circuit is established through magnet 50. A delay in the breaking of the circuit through magnet 50 is, however, obtained by reason of the shunt path 81' in parallel with magnet 81 as hereinbefore described to prolong the energization of said magnet for a predetermined interval after contacts 85 have opened and thus permit magnet 50 to operate the paint gun for a predetermined order to render the device efiective to respond to a closely succeeding impulse from amplifier A at the time that contacts 85 are opened, we provide the armature 90 with a contact forming one of a set of contacts 9| adapted to be closed when the magnet 86 is energized. This places a second tube T, connected in parallel with tube T, in operative position so that should an impulse come through sufiicient to trip tube T magnets 86, 44 and 81 would again be energized by way of contacts 9| instead of by way of contacts 85.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, we have herein described the principle and operation of our invention, together with the apparatus which we now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof, but we desire to have it understood that the apparatus shown is only illustrative and that the invention can be carried out by other equivalent means. Also, while it is designed to use the various features and elements in the combination and relations described, some of these may be altered and others omitted without interfering with the more general results outlined, and the invention extends to such use.

Having described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a rail flaw detector mechanism having means responsive to flaw and marking means, means whereby said responsive means renders said marking means effective, electromagnetic means for rendering said marking means ineffective, andmeans whereby said responsive means renders said preceding means operative, said electromagnetic means having delayed action characteristics for delaying the action of said means for rendering the marking means ineffective.

2. In a rail flaw detector mechanism having means responsive to flaw and marking means, means whereby said responsive means renders said marking means effective, means for rendering said marking means ineffective, means whereby said responsive means renders said preceding means operative, and means including an inductive circuit for delaying the action of said means for rendering the marking means ineffective.

3. In a rail flaw detectormechanism, means responsive to flaw, marking means, means in cluding a magnet whereby said responsive means renders said marking means effective, means including a magnet for rendering said marking means ineffective, and means whereby said responsive means renders said preceding means operative, said second magnet having a different inductance from said first magnet whereby the action of said means for rendering the marking means inefiective is delayed.

4: In a rail flaw detector mechanism, means responsive to flaw, marking means, means including a magnet whereby said responsive means renders said marking means effective, means including a magnet for rendering said marking means ineffective, and means whereby said responsive means renders said preceding means operative, said second magnet having a greater inductance than said first magnet whereby the action of said means for rendering the marking means ineffective is delayed.

5. In a rail flaw detector mechanism, means responsive to flaw, marking means, means whereby said responsive means renders said marking means effective comprising a movable element, a second movable element for rendering said marking means ineifective, and means for delaying the action of said second element.

6. In a rail flaw detector mechanism, means responsive to flaw, marking means, a movable member, means whereby said flaw responsive means moves said movable member, said mem- .ber having means for rendering said marking means effective and delayed action means for rendering said marking means ineffective.

'7. In a rail flaw detector mechanism having means responsive to flaw and marking means, a gaseous discharge tube having a plate, filament and grid, means whereby said responsive means impresses a voltage on said grid in response to flaw to pass current, means controlled by the plate current of said tube for renderingsaid marking means effective, said means controlled by the plate current of said tube having means for rendering said marking means inefiective, and means for delaying the action of said means for rendering said marking means inefiective.

8. In a rail flaw detector mechanism having means responsiveto flaw and marking means, a gaseous discharge tube having a plate, filament and grid, means whereby said responsive means impresses a voltage on said grid in response to flaw to pass plate current, means controlled by the plate current of said tube for rendering said marking means effective, said means controlled by the plate current of said tube having means for rendering said marking means ineffective, and means including an inductive circuit for delaying the action of said means for rendering said marking means ineffective.

9. In a rail flaw detector mechanism having means responsive to flaw and a plurality of gaseous discharge tubes, means for rendering one of said tubes operative, each of said tubes having a plate, filament and grid, means whereby said responsive means impresses a voltage on the grid'of said operative tube in response to flaw to pass current, means controlled by the plate current of said operative tube for rendering said marking means effective, said means controlled by the plate current of said operative tube having means for rendering said marking means inefiective, means for delaying the action of said means forrendering said marking means ineffective, and means for rendering the other of said tubes operative when said means controlled by the plate current of the first tube have been rendered eflective.

HENRY SCHUMACHER. WALTER M. PERRY. LOREN J. DE LAN'I'Y. 

